2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. Land Rover chose not to alter the SUV's design with unnecessary styling changes or aerodynamic tweaks. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it almost invisible unless pointed out. This approach was appreciated, as it maintained the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, which is a significant factor for buyers. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured a striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive looks. Inside, the cabin was filled with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a less striking exterior design. The GLE's styling was considered adequate but lacked the visual impact of its competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it still fell short compared to rivals. However, the GLE's interior was a different story. The redesigned cabin was a masterpiece of quality, layout, and materials. The red and black interior of the test vehicle was both bold and luxurious, surpassing even high-end models from Porsche and Audi. The GLE's interior featured advanced technology, including twin arching grab handles with LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede, making it a delight to touch and operate.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claimed an all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles, but the test vehicle struggled to achieve this. The SUV defaulted to a gas-electric hybrid mode, and attempts to use pure electric mode were often thwarted by the gas engine kicking in. Despite these issues, the Range Rover Sport PHEV delivered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile test loop, which was an improvement over previous models but still left room for improvement compared to newer powertrains.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its complex suspension and engine setups. The GLE 450 featured a self-leveling air suspension with adaptive dampers, while the AMG GLE 53 Coupe tested had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response. The GLE's hybrid system, powered by a 48-volt battery, provided up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief periods. The GLE 450 returned 21/26/23 mpg, slightly better than the GLE 350's 19/26/22 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaged 16 mpg, while the GLE 580 with a twin-turbo V8 was rated at 16/21/18 mpg. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with agile handling and a smooth ride, making it feel more like a sedan than an SUV. All GLE models could tow up to 7,700 pounds, adding to their versatility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a higher price tag and less cargo space due to the battery placement beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot space. The SUV could comfortably seat five people, but practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin. Front-seat comfort was excellent, with heated and ventilated seats offering a wide range of adjustments. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and good thigh support, with the test vehicle featuring 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered more interior space and flexibility. Most GLE models were roomy two-row SUVs with an optional third row for seating up to seven. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, had less cargo space, with 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The Coupe's sloping roofline and large rear tires made rear passenger space feel smaller and less accessible. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with a single touchpad and simplified interface, making it easier to operate compared to the previous model.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting up the system, the touchscreen often behaved unpredictably, showing information not requested or reacting slowly to input. The lack of haptic feedback added to the frustration. While the system provided easy access to primary functions, it required patience and familiarity to operate smoothly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's technology was more advanced and user-friendly. The main 12-inch touchscreen display featured Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures for shortcuts and magnify icons on the home screen. The system was easier to use with a touchpad and thumbpad controls, and the AMG models included a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions. The GLE's interior was equipped with numerous features, including seat kinetics, heated armrests, and ambient lighting with 64 colors. The navigation system projected front camera feeds with overlay arrows for directions, and the natural voice assistant responded to commands with increasing accuracy.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) but could be distracting due to its complex technology. The optional Driver Assist Package included a new steering-assist system that could be aggressive, causing head-toss for passengers. The lane-keeping assist system was also abrupt, leading to the decision to turn off these features. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring top ratings in six crash tests, for headlights, and for standard forward emergency braking. The GLE also featured blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic braking. The semi-automated control system could stop the car if the driver didn't respond, and Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side added to the vehicle's safety features.